Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Advanced Scramjet Engine Powers Successful Hypersonic Vehicle Flight

Rhea-AI Summary

Aerojet Rocketdyne announced the successful flight test of its scramjet engine as part of the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) program, collaborating with DARPA, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Lockheed Martin. This initiative aims to develop cost-effective hypersonic cruise missile technologies. The company emphasizes its advancements in additive manufacturing, reducing parts in scramjet engines by 95%, enhancing performance, affordability, and scalability for hypersonic applications.

Positive

• Successful flight test of scramjet engine for HAWC program.
• Collaboration with DARPA, AFRL, and Lockheed Martin enhances credibility.
• Reduces parts in scramjets by 95% due to additive manufacturing.
• Innovations lead to improved performance and reduced costs.

Negative

• None.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An advanced Aerojet Rocketdyne scramjet engine powered the successful flight test of the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC), in a joint effort with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Lockheed Martin.

The goal of the DARPA / Lockheed Martin HAWC program is to develop and demonstrate critical technologies to enable an effective and affordable air-launched hypersonic cruise missile system.

“Aerojet Rocketdyne is well-positioned to support our nation’s hypersonic development and production,” said Eileen P. Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president. “By applying decades of advanced research and development, together with engineering know-how and innovative manufacturing and materials, our products optimize performance while dramatically reducing costs and development time.”

Through the use of additive manufacturing, Aerojet Rocketdyne is using 95% fewer parts in its scramjets than it used for the history-making scramjet engine that powered the United States Air Force X-51A Waverider to sustained hypersonic speed. Aerojet Rocketdyne has continued to improve the aerothermal performance, affordability, scalability and rapid manufacturability of scramjet engines to meet emerging needs for hypersonic missile and aircraft applications.

Along with innovative scramjets, Aerojet Rocketdyne manufactures a wide range of products to support hypersonics, including solid rocket motor boosters, warheads and missile defense technologies.

About Aerojet Rocketdyne: Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, and tactical systems areas, in support of domestic and international customers. For more information, visit www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com. Follow Aerojet Rocketdyne and CEO Eileen Drake on Twitter at @AerojetRdyne and @DrakeEileen.

Distribution Statement "A" (Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited)

Media Contact:
Eileen Lainez, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 571-239-7839
eileen.lainez@rocket.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Aerojet Rocketdyne's recent flight test on HAWC?

The flight test showcases Aerojet Rocketdyne's advancements in hypersonic technology, crucial for developing efficient air-launched missile systems.

What is the impact of the successful scramjet engine test on stock symbol AJRD?

The success may positively influence AJRD's stock by demonstrating technological capability and potential military contracts.

What technologies are being developed under the HAWC program?

The HAWC program focuses on air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile technologies to enhance military capabilities.

How does Aerojet Rocketdyne's additive manufacturing improve scramjet engines?

Additive manufacturing allows for a significant reduction in parts, improving efficiency and lowering production costs.